A legendary figure in San Francisco history, Kelly was known for his gift of supplying or shanghaiing men to understaffed ships.
[2] He also ran a number of bars including the Boston House, at the corner of Davis and Chambers streets near the waterfront.
Renting the paddle steamer Goliath, he announced that he was hosting a free booze cruise to celebrate his "birthday", and to say "thank you" to his fellow crimps and runners who had helped him through the years.
After leaving port, his bartenders served opium-laced whiskey to his guests, who were then offloaded to the waiting ships.
[3][4] His greatest concern – returning from a well-publicized event with a boat devoid of revelers – was alleviated by a stroke of luck, when he learned that the Yankee Blade had struck a rock and was sinking.